Destination:

Holland

Holland MI Cruises

Located on the shores of two lakes - Michigan and Macatawa, Dutch traditions are a large part of the city's ethnic and cultural identity. From Holland’s award winning historic downtown area to its internationally acclaimed Tulip Festival, that celebrates Dutch heritage. Enjoy white sandy beaches, climb an original 250-year-old Dutch windmill or hike to the top of a sand dune. Relax at a local cafe, dine along the waterfront or shop for a pair of wooden shoes. Whatever you decide to do, you will be amazed by Holland’s small town charm and big city amenities.

Holland, MI is a port of call for the following Great Lakes Cruises:VikingPonantVictory Cruise LinesPearl Seas Cruises

Things to do in Holland, Michigan

WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENSLocated on the edge of downtown you will find the only authentic 250 year old Dutch Windmill operating in the United States. Transported from the Netherlands in 1964, the de Zwaan Windmills still functions today grinding locally grown wheat into flour that is sold to local businesses and available for purchase in the parks gift shop. The fourth floor deck is 125 feet from the ground to the top of the windmill blades. Visitors will be able to view 36 acres of magnificent gardens, canals and dikes. In the spring, you will witness over 100,000 tulips in bloom throughout the Gardens, including additional plant varieties that feature over 60,000 blooms. Always something blooming, throughout the summer grounds are decorated in full bloom with beautiful annuals and perennials. Besides the windmill visitors can enjoy music from an antique Dutch street organ given to the City of Holland by the City of Amsterdam after World War II and children will love to ride the hand carved antique carousel from the Netherlands. There are also several replica Dutch buildings and shops along with a Playground and Children;s Garden. Throughout Windmill Island Gardens, you'll also find authentically-costumed guides that offer tours throughout the day.

VELDHEER TULIP GARDENSVeldheer Farms started in 1950 when Vern Veldheer decided to plant hundreds of tulip bulbs as a hobby. Today, an average of 5 million bulbs are planted annually in addition to several varieties from around the world. Typically tulips bloom from mid-April to mid-May, but the bloom schedule can shift from year to year depending on Mother Nature. Perennial selections including lilies, daffodils, crocus and Hyacinths can be enjoyed through mid-October. Guests may also purchase fresh floral bouquets and bulbs to take home for their own personal enjoyment.

​DEKLOMP WOODEN SHOE & DELFT FACTORYSurrounded by the spectacular Veldheer Tulip Farm and Gardens this one of a kind destination creates on site authentic Dutch wooden shoes and traditional Dutch pottery known as Blue Delftware. Created from blocks of poplar wood this Holland factory makes individually customized wooden shoes in a full range of sizes from adult shoes to the tiniest babydoll shoe. De Klomp is the only location in North American with a production facility that creates this rare pottery from the pouring of liquid clay into molds, kiln firing up to 2000 degrees and then artisans hand paint each piece using genuine Delft Blue ceramic glazes. A process that required lengthy drying and firing times that can take over a week to produce just one piece.

WHEN DO THE TULIPS BLOOM?Each year in May, Holland hosts 6 millions tulips that are planted throughout the community. Locations vary each year from city parks, private fields and other areas around town. A catalogue of the different varieties planted along with a listing of locations, maps and full facts are featured in a yearly brochure to assist you in finding these beautiful sights throughout the Holland area.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HOLLANDHistoric Downtown Holland is the place to be with it’s unique shopping and dining experiences, creative art venues and festivals that are happening all year round. Cobblestone sidewalks line the streets trendy pubs, locally owned shops and galleries. The snowmelt system keeps downtown streets and walkways ice and snow free, allowing people to visit most easily during the winter season.

​HOLLAND STATE PARK BEACHLocated on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa you will find Holland State Park, which is mostly known for its large beautiful sandy beach. Holland State Park has volleyball courts, a small beach house, two large campgrounds, equipped with grills, firepits and a number of picnic tables. Or you can simply relax and build sandcastles, sunbath or surf. You may want to try your luck fishing from the pier situated along the harbor channel or enjoy watching sailboats as they pass by or wait for the perfect sunset.Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424, 616-399-9390Website: https://www.holland.org/holland-state-park-0

Get to know Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan was named one of "America's Prettiest Towns" in Forbes magazine in 2013.​

The city of Holland is best known for its Dutch heritage, Dutch-themed attractions and annual Tulip Festival that takes place each May.

Tulips should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes.

In order to plant tulips in the south, they should be refrigerated for 6-8 weeks prior to planting

Residents residing in the Dutch province of Holland are called Hollanders. Dutch people from the 'Netherlands' are called 'Nederlanders'.

The Dutch word for 'wooden shoes' is 'De Klomp'.

For more than a quarter century, Holland has spent millions by installing a sidewalk snowmelt system that keeps downtown streets dry during the cold and wet winter months. According to city research the 168 mile tubing system beneath the sidewalks and roads circulates hot water from the Holland Board of Public Works.

Holland’s downtown area has been recognised by the The National Trust for Historic Preservation as a "Great American Mainstreet."

With over 170 churches in the greater Holland area, Holland was once known as the "City of Churches."​